Gabrielle von Furstenberg

On February 3, 2019 Gabrielle von Furstenberg passed away peacefully among loved ones. Her life was filled with courage and love. The courage to persevere and survive and a love for all people and living creatures. If ever she saw a big insect or small creature on one of her walks, she would move it to safety so no one could step on it. Those who knew her well always felt how much she cared for them. Born in 1935 on the island of Java, Gabrielle’s idyllic childhood was cut short by losing her father and nearly her life in a Japanese concentration camp. Saved by her mother, she and her brother Hans managed to safely return to Europe. Almost immediately, her uncles began putting her down. They even sent her to a finishing school, to learn how to be a good housewife. Gabrielle never accepted their views of her, and grabbed the opportunity to complete a degree as a medical technologist at the University of Vienna in 1958. With her sense of confidence regained and a degree under her belt, Gabrielle immigrated to the United States to follow her dreams and find her independence. A strong and powerful woman in control of her own destiny, she first landed in New Mexico under the care of her uncle and aunt. For the first time in her life she could enjoy being a young woman. With a new sense of freedom, in 1977, she completed a degree in Microbiology at Indiana University. In 1966 she met George, the love of her life. They were virtually inseparable and enjoyed classical music concerts, plays, talks, walks, travel, and museums together. Gabrielle kept them socially active as well, with her wide variety of friends all around the world. Gabrielle always had a deep connection with nature and taking care of her family’s health. After realizing that she and George’s health were beginning to decline, she strayed from the suggested diet of meat and potatoes. Instead they and their son Phillip adopted a strict diet of organic vegetables, grains, legumes, fish, and occasionally chicken. To this day, both her beloved son and husband remain in excellent health. As an avid walker and hiker, Gabrielle’s soul was deeply connected to the surrounding wilderness in Bloomington, Indiana. She would frequently walk the same trail near Griffy Lake with her closest friends and loved ones. Even when she would travel, she was always up for a beautiful walk in the woods. Gabrielle also had a deep love for learning. She would frequently reference what was reading about health, politics, philosophy, and spirituality. She developed a rich inner life and close relationship to a higher power. Gabrielle will never be forgotten for her loving smile and her deep hearty and often uncontrollable laughter. She was an amazing listener and could brighten anyone’s day with her sense of humor, which was often silly and sometimes childish. To a life full of wonder, survival, and courage we celebrate her fearless and beautiful soul as she embarks on her next journey. A mass of christian burial will be held at 11:00am Saturday, February 9, 2019 at the St John the Apostle Catholic Church 4607 W. State Rd 46 Bloomington. With Father Daniel Mahan officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00am to service time Saturday February 9, 2019 at the church. Cremation Rites have been accorded. You are invited to share a memory or leave an online condolence to the family at www.allencares.com.

Tributes

Gabrielle von Furstenberg

April 2, 1935 - February 3, 2019